Liver Transplants from Living Donors

In the west majority liver transplantation is from deceased donors. In the Far East most liver transplant is actually done from living related donors. In the past, when experience with hepatectomy was limited, liver transplantation did not progress because of lack of cadaveric donors. With hepatectomy becoming a safe operation, liver transplant from living donors is a good alternative. Although there is a risk to donor, LRLT has certain advantages over DDLT in our country such as optimum patient preparation prior to surgery, allows use of cadaveric organs when available, for patients with primary liver turnover, for adoptive transfer of immunity in patients with hepatitis B related cirrhosis and in acute liver failure. LRLT should be promoted and safeguards built in for donor safety.